Tag Archives: Bible Study

The Guardian of Safety, Protection and Well-being

Posted on by yolandaberry
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Discover how God’s unwavering presence serves as our ultimate source of safety, refuge, and well-being, offering peace and confidence through adversity and life’s uncertainties.

The disciples walked with Jesus and experienced miraculous miracles, yet they still had disbelief. When Peter took his eyes off Jesus, he began to sink as he walked on the water. Matt 14:22-33

After the resurrection, Thomas asked to place his fingers in Jesus’ wounded hands as proof and evidence of his resurrection.

When they found out that Lazarus died, Martha who proclaimed to believe that Jesus would resurrect Lazurus from the dead shifted to unbelief when Jesus commanded to roll away the stone and yelled, “Lazurus, come forth!”

When a girl of 12 years was ill, Jesus commanded everyone to leave the room due to unbelief.

Jesus could not work miracles in His hometown due to unbelief.

These are a few examples of how important trust and belief are to walking in the Spirit and standing in faith.

Fear is rooted in unbelief. The countless stories in the Bible are a reflection to the experiences we are facing in the world today. There are over 300-400 Bible passages that state, “Do not fear” yet, we struggle with worry, doubt, fear, anxiety and unbelief. We’ve been carried through countless storms and tribulations as we’ve experienced the Lord’s hand of protection, provision and security upon our lives yet, we still fear. How many more signs and wonders must Jesus perform before we trust and believe in Him? All it takes is one radical act of faith to shift the trajectory of your circumstance or situation.

The woman with the issue of blood grabbed the hem of Jesus garment for healing. A paralyzed man was healed at the pool of Bethesda after suffering for 38 years. Job’s wife told him to curse God and die and his friends strongly criticized and judged Job for self-righteousness and wrongdoing. However, Job believed God through the difficult challenges and losses that he faced.

When we walk in the Spirit, we have protection and security that cannot be explained. There is an overwhelming peace which cradles our thoughts and strengthens our emotions to handle tough situations. The Word of God activates our faith and pushes us into action. When we release fear, we have a sense of freedom. We are no longer bound to the enemies’ lies and deception. We stop second-guessing ourselves. We rely on God to perform His work and lean on the promises, decrees and declarations of His Word. Fear melts away as you establish a firm foundation on a relationship with Jesus.

It’s so easy to be afraid of what we see happening in the world. Our communities are being torn apart by drugs, crime, murders, natural disasters, financial instability, inflation and sexual immorality. There has been a steady decline in the value of life. There is an insensitivity to compassion in our culture through the violence highlighted in our entertainment.

The Lord understood all of this would take place in the end times. Prophecies are being fulfilled rapidly. So, how do you stay grounded when the world is shaking? Your emphasis and focus should remain in Him despite the turbulence. Stay rooted. Do whatever it takes to guard your peace and energy. We simply do not have time to waste on foolishness. If you have walk away, run. If you must be alone, be still. The key is to listen and be honest with your emotions however your emotions do not guide your spiritual compass. Jesus does. Emotions are fleeting. You should have self-control over your emotions. Emotions can stir you in the wrong direction. You cannot trust your emotions. They are like a rollercoaster that’s subject to your current circumstances so you must learn to hear the Lord and lean on Him.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding, acknowledge Him in all your ways and He shall direct your path.

Prov 3:5-6

By reading the Word of God, you will be led to direct instructions and answers on how to navigate through the maze of life. It provides peace, wisdom, assurance, and guidance.

You might not understand why things may go the way they do. It’s like a puzzle that’s scattered but as you begin to pick up the pieces, a clearer picture is formed out of chaos.

133 Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me. 134 Deliver me from the oppression of man: so, will I keep thy precepts. 135 Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes. 136 Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.

Psalm 119:133-136

So, if you’re struggling with doubt, fear, worry or unbelief, I highly recommend you shift your focus to the possibilities and opportunities that are lying dormant due to fear.

With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. Matt 19:26

What is the one thing that you’re depending on God to change in your life that may cause you to doubt or fear? Lean in and refuse to let go of the promises of God.

Sister in Christ,

Yolanda-

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Bible verses are not just words on a page. They are living words and testaments of God’s promises, covenants, miracles and prophecies. As you read these words, plant and embed the words in heart and repeat them as many times as needed until you feel a sense of peace, courage and comfort.

Isaiah 26:3

3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

Psalm 56:3-4

3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. 4 In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.

Psalm 91:2

2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

Matt 6:25-26

25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

Jer 17:7-8

7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.

8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

Isaiah 41:10

10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Joshua 1:9

9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

2 Tim 1:7

7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Psalm 23:4

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Psalm 18:30

As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.

Phil 4:8

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think on these things.

The Leadership Series: Activate Your Faith and Unlock the Promises of God from the Timeless Truth and Lessons of the Days of Noah

Posted on by yolandaberry
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Noah gathered the animals two by two into the ark.

Image by Peter Schmidt from Pixabay

We are living in unprecedented times. Every system that we relied on is being shaken from the ability of man and by the hand of God. The foundations are being uprooted, and the entire process is being dismantled. There is no change under the sun that God was not aware of or did not allow because He is in full control of this whole earth.

We are living in the days of Noah. The world has become exceedingly wicked, corrupt, and perverted. We are witnessing and experiencing things that we could never imagine.

Noah's Ark

Image by Ken Williams from Pixabay

Noah was a man of faith who was warned by God to build an ark because of the wickedness and violence in the world. He was given precise instructions on how to build the ark to save himself and his family from a devastating flood that would destroy the entire earth.

Most people may not view Noah as one of the noble leaders in the Bible, but he was a leader of his household and preserved life for the future generations. He also demonstrated strong traits and qualities of great leadership.

26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” 27 The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.

Heb 12:26-27
Blueprint, pen, ruler, architect

Image by Pixabay Photographer Unknown

Here are seven key characteristics of Noah that we can apply in today’s challenging landscape.

  1. Noah was obedient in God’s commands.

Noah worked feverously to build the ark according to the instructions and precise measurements that the Lord gave him. This was not an overnight process. It took Noah years to nail the last peg into the ark. He did not question his instructions but moved in obedience despite the criticism, mockery, and judgement of the people. Noah maintained his focus despite the opposition and pressures around him. He was faithful to his assignment and to the vision and purpose regardless of the current conditions of doubt, disbelief, and skepticism of his environment.

Lesson: Effective leaders have an unclouded vision and purpose with a desire to work towards their mission even when others may doubt their abilities, skills, or experience. Leaders understand the bigger picture and stay committed to their purpose.

2. Noah was chosen by God.

Noah was a man of faith and a man of righteousness. He had integrity and honored God. In return, the Lord granted him favor and protection from a sinful and wicked generation.

Lesson: Leaders are built on trust. They lead with high values, morals and ethical standards and procedures which provide a role model for others to follow. They do not cower under pressure but stand in confidence and assurance of God’s plan.

sunset, beach

3. Noah persevered in the face of adversity.

Despite the obstacles and rejection, Noah continued building the ark during opposition. He remained steadfast in his mission regardless of what it looked like.

Lesson: Resilience is the key to great leadership. When you can overcome barriers and setbacks, overlook ridicule, and continue with hard work, determination and persistence, leaders will rise above every conflict and resistance they face.

hammer, nails, wrench, tools

Image by Steve Buissinne from Pixabay

4. Noah moved according to God’s divine plan.

Noah gathered the supplies and material needed for the job. He organized the construction, followed appropriate instructions given by God to execute the plan that God had designed.

Lesson: Leaders pay attention to extreme details and strategically plan their course of action with precision.

5. Noah was adaptable and pliable to change.

Noah did not know what to expect upon exiting the ark. He entered a whole new world after the flood receded. He had to accept change and adapt to the new reality that life would never be the same as he knew it. He had to confront any fear or doubt and continuously walk by faith.

Lessons: Leaders must be flexible and adaptable to unknown situations, settings, and environments. They must be able to shift without notice. They must be comfortable with uncertainty and the unknown. A strong leader should be pliable to lead others through major transitions and guide with wisdom and authority. They should have the ability to navigate rough terrain with confidence knowing that the Lord will order their steps.

flower, growth, spring

6. Noah preserved life and survival for generations.

Due to Noah’s faith and obedience, he saved his household and the animals from death and extinction which provided life-long implications for generations to come.

Lesson: With leadership, comes great responsibilities. Whatever God has entrusted you with, you must steward the tools and resources well to safeguard your future as well as guide others toward a shared goal.

storms, waves

7. Noah trusted the process.

Noah’s faith was rooted in stability of trusting God. He needed faith to sustain and complete the mission, even though there was not a cloud in the sky and no promise of rain on the horizon while building the ark. His steadfast faith in God’s plan provided the stability and protection to secure him through the storm.

Lesson: Leaders must have faith in their assignment. They must build confidence and have belief in their mission while facing obstacles, setbacks, resistance, and challenges which will pave the way for others and provide a roadmap or blueprint to build their faith and trust God in their purpose and plan for their lives.

Noah’s effective leadership model is an exceptional act of faith that was built on resilience and a strategic approach to completing an overwhelming task which seemed impossible at the time.

Leading and Preparing for Impact

In a world faced with constant change, uncertainty, and instability, embracing these tactics and strategies will help leaders navigate the unexpected changes, transitions, and challenges they face today. Let us all remain steadfast in faith, holding onto our values, integrity, morals with courage and confidence to face and overcome adversity on every side.

Disclosure: This post was partially generated with AI and modified by the publisher.

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Related Bible Verses

Matt 7:18

1 Corth 15:33

Psalm 1:1

Heb 11:7

Matt 24:37-39

2 Peter 3:3

Matt 25:14-30

Prov 18:16

Heb 11:1

Gen 5-10

Matters of the Heart

Posted on by yolandaberry
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Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

Our entire existence is related to the heart. Everything you do in life is a reflection of the heart. We often focus on health conditions related to the heart but our spiritual health can suffer heart disease as well. It can be infected with bitterness, regret, pain, jealousy, hate, or rage. It can also be infected with greed, selfishness, arrogance, pride, or unforgiveness.

Issues of the Heart

The condition of the heart can eventually affect our physical health, social life, relationships or community. When you don’t deal with the internal issues of your heart, it can completely destroy your life if you’re not careful.

Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it flows the issues of life. Prov 4:23

Intentions of the Heart

Whatever you speak stems from your heart. You can never conceal your true feelings or actions. For example, when you pretend to be nice to someone, your true nature eventually is exposed because you can only be fake for so long. You may think you’re fooling the people around you but you can’t fool the Lord. He knows the true intentions and desires of your heart. Everything we do must be done in love. The Word of God is not a quote. It is the Living Word of God.

Heb 4:12

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

The Heart of Giving

When we give to others, it should be done willingly. It shouldn’t give because you want something in return. Don’t give because you want to be liked or praised by men. Don’t give because it’s forced out of guilt. Give because you are compelled to give. Give freely from the heart.

Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise, ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. 2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have the glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: 4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. Matt 6:1-4

Desires of the Heart

There are so many things in this life that grabs our attention. The biggest house, the fastest car, the perfect wife or husband, and lots of money. We are constantly chasing after bigger and better things without taking time to appreciate what we have or being content with what we’ve achieved in life. We are constantly competing and comparing ourselves with others which only leads to disappointment, discouragement, or depression.

Idolatry comes in many forms. The Lord desires good gifts for his children but we must put God first beyond anything that we desire. We also should not chase after the Lord for the things in this world. God is not Santa Claus, a genie, or a magician. So our prayers should never plead or beg for selfish desires but it should be an adornment of praise, honor, and worship to the Father who knows exactly what you need and desires to give you much more than you can ever ask or think.

Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Psalm 37:4

Shifting the Heart

When you have a heart for God, the word is embedded within your heart. The true activation of the Word of God is not something you memorize or magnetize by the law of attraction. Unfortunately, too many people are claiming the promises of God without the acknowledgement of purifying their heart and mind and walking in obedience.

When you are walking in obedience, you have a desire to please the Lord and obey His commandments. You no longer have a desire to please your friends, family, classmates, or any other person that is not in alignment with the heart of God, His laws, and the purpose and plan for your life.

1 John 2:15-16

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

The Bible cannot be cherry-picked. You simply can’t pick and choose what scriptures are desirable or comfortable for fitting your lifestyle. You can’t tweak the Gospel to fit into the culture of your comfort zone. The Word of God changes and transforms the culture.

Without a change of heart and shifting in your actions, behaviors and attitude, you are not living according to the Spirit of God but as instead as a carnal, worldly natural man according to fleshly or lustful desires. The natural man cannot understand spiritual things. Your character and mindset willingly will be transformed according to Christ when you put your faith in Him.

1 Corinthians 2:14

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

The Results of an Uncircumcised Heart

The Lord is a loving merciful God, however there is judgement for those who do not abide by his commandments. In other words, there are consequences for your actions and penalties for your sin.

Thus saith the Lord God; No stranger, uncircumcised in heart, nor uncircumcised in flesh, shall enter into my sanctuary, of any stranger that is among the children of Israel. Ezk 44:9

The Baptism of a Circumcised Heart

When you decide to let go of your worldly nature and desires, a purifying action takes place. After receiving salvation, you’re purged from your old nature, and life is renewed. It doesn’t mean that you are exempt from problems and heartache but you’re now a part of God’s heavenly eternal Kingdom.

When you decide to get baptized, it is a public display of your change of heart and dedication to Christ from an uncircumcised heart to being circumcised to Christ Jesus. The Holy Spirit is activated upon your decision to live holy, sanctified (set apart), righteous and pure.

Although we are human, we will still make lots of mistakes and fall short of living a perfect life however that is the reason Christ died and was resurrected. You no longer need to live in condemnation, guilt, shame or regret. You are set free in Christ Jesus. This simple act of obedience is a dedication to the purification process of the heart. The outward man looks inwardly to transform his carnal ways to a spiritual one. It’s by God’s grace and mercy a new man is resurrected from the miracle cleansing power of the Holy Spirit to rest upon you.

So, let us come to the water of the Spirit. Let us drink from the water of life together. Let us reflect on the matters of our hearts and intentions. Let us celebrate with praise and thanksgiving and sing with a joyful heart for the things the Lord has done. Let us reflect on his nature and the promises, plans, and desires of our Lord.

In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: 12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. 13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses Col 2:11-13

Let us love one another the way Christ loves us. Let us give with desire and passion. Let us speak words of life and not death. Let us focus on what we have not what we lack. Let our minds be renewed and transformed to truly change and shift the conditions of the heart.

Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Our Father is worthy to be praised!

In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with the holy Spirit of promise. Eph 1:13

Related Scriptures

2 Corth 1:21-22

Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; 22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

Psalm 51:10

 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Eph 1:17-19

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

Scriptures Related to an Uncircumcised Heart

Acts 7:51

 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.

Jer 4:4

Circumcise yourselves to the Lord, and take away the foreskins of your heart, ye men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: lest my fury comes forth like fire, and burn that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings.

Lev 26:41

And that I also have walked contrary unto them, and have brought them into the land of their enemies; if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity:

Jer 9:26

Egypt, and Judah, and Edom, and the children of Ammon, and Moab, and all that are in the utmost corners, that dwell in the wilderness: for all these nations are uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel are uncircumcised in the heart.

Jer 9:25

Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will punish all them which are circumcised with the uncircumcised

Scriptures Related to a Circumcised Heart

Gal 5:1-6

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. 2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. 3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. 4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. 5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

Phil 3:2-3

Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. 3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

Rom 2:25-29

For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. 26 Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? 27 And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law? 28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: 29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

Deut 10:12-16

 And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, 13 To keep the commandments of the Lord, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good? 14 Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the Lord’s thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is. 15 Only the Lord had a delight in thy fathers to love them, and he chose their seed after them, even you above all people, as it is this day. 16 Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked.

1 Corth 7:19

Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.

Gal 5:6

For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

Titus  1:10-11

For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: 11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.

Scriptures Related to the Baptism of the Holy Spirit

Col 2:11-13

In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: 12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. 13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

Additional Bible References

Deut 30:6

Jer 4:4

Rom 2:25-29

Rom 3:30

Gal 3:6

Rom 4:9-12

Acts 15:1-19

Acts 11:1-3

Acts 10:44-46

Acts 10:34

Gal 2:11-16

Gal 5:1-6

Gal 2:3-5

Phil 3:2-3

2 Corth 1:21-22

Eph 1:13